Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi said in Tehran Wednesday that his historic visit to Iran was aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations, reported Iran News Agency (IRNA).

"This is the first visit to Iran by a top official from my country since the 1979 Islamic revolution and the chief goal is political," he told reporters after meeting with Iranian Vice President Hassan Habibi.

He said he was looking to "develop relations in all fields."

Youssoufi also stressed that as members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference's Al-Quds (Jerusalem) committee, the two nations would "try to take action to resolve the problem of our Palestinian brothers."

Iran and Morocco broke off diplomatic relations for 10 years after Rabat offered asylum to Shah Reza Pahlavi when he was deposed by the Islamic revolution, said IRNA.

Morocco's support for Iraq during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, and on the other hand Tehran's recognition of an independent state of Western Sahara, claimed by Rabat, were further strains until the two countries re-established ties in 1991, according to AFP.

The two countries are expected to sign a number of deals, including in the tourism and transportation fields, during the visit by Youssoufi, who arrived Tuesday for five days of talks.

Youssoufi is accompanied by a delegation including Economy, Finance and Tourism Minister Fathallah Oualalou and Employment Minister Abbes el Fassi, said IRNA.

Yousufi's visit was at the invitation of Iran's first vice-president, Hassan Habibi, said the agency.

T he annual value of Iran-Morocco trade exchanges stands around 200 million dollars, according to IRNA -- Albawaba.com